Every year during Chanukah, the Shluchim in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine arrange Chanukah celebrations for their city’s sizeable Jewish community. The Shluchim resolutely decided that this year’s celebrations and public menorah lightings would be done in the same grand style as they had been done in the past, despite the war and the challenges it presented.
There was just one problem: electricity, which is in critically short supply. So, just a few days before Chanukah, Rabbis Shlomo Peles and Dovid Mundshein, who have helped the Shluchim in Ukraine immensely during this challenging time, stepped in.
They arranged for a number of generators to be brought into the city to be used for the menorahs.
On the first night, over 350 people braved the extreme cold and dangerous wartime conditions and gathered to watch the lighting of the menorah amidst the lively sound of familiar Chanukah tunes. They were each presented with their own package to take home that included a menorah, a dreidel and a sweet Chanukah treat.
Lighting the menorah was the Jewish commander of the Zaporizhzhia region named Ariel. As he recited the berachos of “she’asa nissim” which recalls the miracle of Chanukah, it was clear that his heart wished to recite that very beracho again soon to celebrate a miraculous end to the ongoing war.
A separate event was arranged on the second night of Chanukah and an astounding 250+ crowd of people attended. The Shluchim say they plan to keep up the pace throughout the remaining days of Chanukah. “Our Chanukah schedule is packed with visits to hospitals, nursing homes and children’s centers. The goal is to ensure that every Jew in our city has the opportunity to experience the joy of Chanukah.”
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Wow !!!! You are amazing.
הצלחה רבה
Wow! This is true shlichus at a time when you’re needed more than ever. Yashar koach!!
This is an unbelievable test that none should have to live through. Yashar koach for stepping up to the plate when it’s hardest, and your community needs you most!! May Hashem bless you myadoi hamleah, hapsuchah, hakedoshah vharchavah in each and every area of life!
Unbelievable.